The Place to Be #44

 Philippians 1:18 Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Paul wants to make it very  clear that his standing strong as a witness for Christ in the face of adversity is not being done by His own strength.  Their prayers, and the especially the power of the Holy Spirit were carrying him through.  It was Christ all the way.  Paul was not even afraid to die for the sake of Christ. For him it was a win-win situation. Either he could be strengthened by Christ within and witness for Him, or He could lose this life for Him and be with Him.  But the fact that he was still around was best for them, so he could both write this letter and come see them upon his release.  Whatever happened Paul was determined that Christ be lifted up.  Are we that determined?